The Spaniel at Bluewaters Island in Dubai.

It was a beautiful Sunday when the Expat Media team found ourselves back at Bluewaters Island in Dubai — that sleek, modern playground of restaurants, shops, and of course, the mighty Ain Dubai. Our mission? Lunch at The Spaniel, a Michelin Guide-listed brasserie that’s been making waves for its refined European comfort food and lively atmosphere. Finding the restaurant was easier than expected. After a quick drive into the massive underground parking lot (thank you to the security guard who pointed us to B2), we took the escalator up, and like magic, The Spaniel’s entrance was just steps away. Location win.

First impressions

Inside, a smiling hostess guided us upstairs to our table. The scene? A musician crooning live, a crowd buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and plates of Sunday Roast making their rounds. The Spaniel strikes that sweet spot — lively but not overwhelming. Just the kind of place where you instantly want to linger. And then, there’s the view. Through the windows, the colossal Ain Dubai towers over the compound. For those unfamiliar, Ain Dubai is the world’s tallest observation wheel at 250 meters high, offering a 360° panorama of Dubai’s skyline. Imagine dining on oysters and steak tartare with the world’s largest Ferris wheel as your backdrop. Now that’s bragging rights.

What we ate

We kicked things off with fresh oysters, steak tartare topped with egg yolk and parmesan, and a delightful tiger prawn scampi with tartare sauce. Let me pause here — the steak tartare was one of the best I’ve had in Dubai. Perfectly seasoned. I’d come back for this dish alone. Our server also nudged us toward the Stilton and Walnut Salad with Hatta Honey and Pear, a clever twist on a classic. The drizzle of locally produced honey tied everything together, proving that salad doesn’t have to be boring. For the main event, it had to be the Beef Roast. The plate arrived with three generous slices of roast beef, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, green beans, and carrot-swede mash — the holy trinity of a proper Sunday Roast. Each bite was hearty, comforting, and worth savoring slowly. I only wished there were more slices, but maybe that’s just proof it was that good.

The vibe

The Spaniel doesn’t just do food; it does vibe. On Thursdays, they offer three hours of unlimited drinks and snacks from 7pm to 9pm for Dh150 (ladies) and Dh250 (gents) — a perfect pre-weekend warm-up. But even on a Sunday afternoon, the atmosphere was spot-on: families sharing meals, a couple treating their little boy to a special lunch, and groups of friends tucking into roasts and drinks. It’s casual yet polished, family-friendly without losing its edge. Service was attentive, though it slowed down a bit as the restaurant filled up. Honestly? We didn’t mind. Between the live music, the food, and the lively hum of conversation, time just slipped away.

Bluewaters and beyond

After lunch, we strolled around Bluewaters Island — a destination in its own right. Opened in 2018, it’s home to chic boutiques, cafés, and the record-breaking Ain Dubai. Just across the water sits JBR’s beachfront, making this spot a perfect bridge between relaxation and city buzz. If you haven’t been, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an entire day.

Verdict

The Spaniel blends Michelin Guide pedigree with the charm of a lively European brasserie. Come for the steak tartare and Sunday Roast, stay for the view of Ain Dubai and the atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re at the center of something special. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family lunch, or drinks with friends, this one’s going on our list of must-return spots in Dubai. PIA/Expat Media
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